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Nonprofit Overview

Mission: Investing in mothers is at the heart of the mission of My Safe Harbor. We do not provide crisis intervention. Instead, we provide a place for the "next step" for mothers who have weathered a crisis and are ready to do the long, hard work of changing their lives and the lives of their children.
At MSH, we are literally mothering mothers -- many of whom have had little or no access to adequate role models. Our programs build trusting relationships and equip mothers with real, life changing tools that empower honest personal assessment and the dignity of self-reliance.

Results: We have graduated 81 from our Strong Families Institute (SFI) and 60% of them are still connected to us as leaders and volunteers in our programs. This fall we are running Mother's Clubs in 5 of our local elementary schools. All of these clubs are being facilitated by SFI graduates.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 188 mothers with over 450 children and have graduated 10 cohorts of the Strong Families Institute.

Geographic areas served: Long term support for low income mothers committed to changing their lives and the lives of their children.

Programs: The Mothers Clubs and Electives introduce women to the MSH culture, present new opportunities and begin the relationship building process. Enrichment Electives are 2-6 weeks sessions that are more in-depth and require pre-registration. Topics range from crocheting and cooking to computers and parenting. and there are expectations for attendance and commitment.
The Strong Families Institute (SFI) is our intensive, year-long program where the real work of change begins. It It offers over 100 class hours over 32 weeks for in-depth information, participation and evaluation. Go to our website for more information.
Our programs build trusting relationships and equip mothers with real, life changing tools that empower honest personal assessment and the dignity of self-reliance.

All that you'd hope for in a non-profit -- amazing, committed staff, visionary, engaged board and results clearly seen in the actions of the lives changed through this program. Every community needs a My Safe Harbor!

MSH is quietly making a difference in the lives of women and their families in central Anaheim. It's a long term, on-going investment by MSH in the women who commit to the program, and a long term investment by the women in themselves and the future of their families.

Though I wrote long ago about My Safe Harbor, couldn't miss the chance to give an annual update! MSH is getting the notice of those who know non-profits well! They are getting invaluable coaching from those who have "been there, done that" and are increasing their scope and vision! Mothers' Clubs, the prequel to the MSH Strong Families cohorts are blossoming! So nice to see the changed lives of the women who go through this program, to hear their children talk about the changes they've seen in their own homes, and to see graduates of the program returning to assist and mentor new cohorts!

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We all want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE...contribute to something that effectively turns the tide of "bad" to "good" ... And to be useful in the process. My Safe Harbor's mission and method are tightly woven with strands that make a difference. I was privileged to watch as MSH took shape...I was exposed to the intention of the curriculum for those it was intended to teach. As a donor I was encouraged to invest more of myself than a check and was amazed to see a woman's life changed as she grappled with attitudes, habits, inner resources, and a new- found group of peers, mentors and friends. I was invited to her home to meet her family and heard their testimony of praise...her investment in the program made a difference for her family as well! She was not alone. Because I was a mentor I was invited to hear the stories of the women who were graduating alongside my mentee. Though every story was different, every story bore the mark of the process of taking responsibility, determining to change where change was needed, listening and learning from people who truly care and encouraging and being encouraged by others who are on the same journey. But it doesn't end there! Graduates of the program are invited to return, and many have, to form an encouraging host for those who will come after them. My Safe Harbor is WELL WORTH a DEEP LOOK if you or your club, church, or philanthropic organization are looking to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

I continue to be amazed and uplifted by the women's stories at My Safe Harbor. The long range objective of changing society by changing mother's lives is being seen each year as women tell of the changes in their families, their children's behavior and values (including completing school and aspiring to college). The self-respect that has added confidence to women who had none is heart wrenchingly wonderful to observe. I am so grateful for the vision of the leadership and the dedication of the staff. It is an honor to share in their work by supporting them financially.

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My Safe Harbor has made an important contribution to strengthening families in Anaheim. I have had many students in my ESL class participate in the programs and they find a safe place to learn skills that benefit themselves as well as their children. My Safe Harbor educates mothers over a wide spectrum of relevant topics. This is an organization that has had many successes in equipping women to change their lives.

It is great to find an organization that makes a permanent positive change in the lives it influences. My Safe Harbor is an asset to its community and I look forward to continued results. I'm picky about where I give, My Safe Harbor passes the test.

This is one of the most unique non profits in California. No other agency has this type of tier service delivery that allows clients a range of services. The year long program is affordable, well structured, and life changing for participants. Strong leadership at the top filters down in this agency. Wonderful programming by wonderful people.

This organizatin is doing wonderful work with single mothers in the Anaheim, CA area. Children of single mothers represent the highest percentage of gang members, and My Safe Harbor is helping to reduce gang membership by providing single moms with skills and attitudes to be better parents. They hold Mother's Clubs (to get women together to learn skills and crafts), Electives (to teach specific skills), and the Stong Families Institute, which is a certificate program that deal with all elements of raising a family. In just three years, they have already graduated 22 women from SFI. These graduates have then been able to mentor following classes. All in all, over 150 women and 300 children have been positively affected by the programs of My Safe Harbor.